Pressing On

By Frank Williams

June 22, 2026

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Fill a volleyball with air. If you take it into a swimming pool and push it down into the water, it pushes to rise up where it belongs. The air inside it belongs with the air above the water.

We sing the old hymn, “I’m pressing on the upward way; new heights I’m gaining every day. Still, praying as I’m onward bound, ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground!’”

The Holy Spirit in Paul was pressing him toward higher ground. God has called all His children to keep pressing on. Without the Spirit within us, our pressing upward would be in vain. Nothing good would or could happen. But with the Holy Spirit in us, there is a constant urge toward the summit. It’s an upward call to keep going, to be faithful, to try again when we fail, or when we are just plain tired.

Some people merely drift along in life. They keep hoping for a break here or there. But nothing ever drifts upstream.

Paul was not promoting self-effort righteousness. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 he said—But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  

Grace enables you to rise up and press on. Grace enables you to labour for the Lord. Left to self, you will not rise but retreat. The precious Holy Spirit within connects you to Heaven. That spiritual air in your heart lifts you toward the higher ground. One day, you will be lifted all the way up to your new Home.

Reflection—Take a deep breath and enjoy the refreshment of spiritual air now!